Character Biography: The Shadow Minister is cloaked in mystery as the foremost criminal overlord of the United Stellar Conference. Reports of his origins range greatly. Some say that he was of lowly birth who was a mere petty tech and cyber criminal who slowly made his way up the ranks. Others tell of disenfranchised aristocrat who formed his own syndicate after being exiled by a hostile rival family. Some others say that he is some sort of freak cyberspace program that gained sentience and invaded our world. In any case the Shadow Minister is the head of the most powerful organized crime front known as THE BLACK DIAMOND. Members of his organization are branded with a chip, that allows him to monitor any and all of his underlings from any point in known UIC space. If someone crosses him, he simply can eliminate them from light years away. As a matter of fact its this and other high tech uses that has allowed him to never be caught by the authorities. He has never needed a central base of operations. His brain has been highly augmented along with his body with massive amounts of cybernetic and computer implants, that allowed him to operate from any location. He is cold, ruthless, and devoid of any sympathy or compassion. This has enabled his to eliminate his competition and raise an element of fear among his enemies and competitors, and raise him to be the most well known crime lord of the early 26th Century. Recently though, a rebirth of costumed heroes and adventurers have started to put a dent on his reputation, specifically the group known as Golundan Corp and especially The Juryman have stood in his path in many instances. But this has only strengthened his resolve to maintain his iron grip on his Black Diamond Empire!

Dan Nokes is the sequential guru of the Southern Maryland DIY Revolution! When not wandering the uncharted wilderness of Lusby, MD in a supernaturally induced blood fever, he is the head of a little one man band called 21st Century Sandshark Studios. This bastion of indie comic goodness has to date put out a 67 page graphic novel (The Reptile and Mister Amazing 2002) a 12 issue maxi series (The Paranormals 2003-2008) a three issue western (The Pistoleers 2008-2010) and is currently working on the second and final volume of his dystopian classic (Adam and Eve: Bizarre Love Triangle in the Zombie Apocalypse 2011-2012) He is also working on illustration duties for Nick Davis' upcoming children's book (Unconditional: A Teddy Bear's Tale 2011). His future projects include his forray into webcomics with his Sci-fi comedy (Impossible Space Tales from The Last Pitt Stop) and a return to Super Hero Lore (The Reptile and Mister Amazing: The Return of Kat Carson)!